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Trump endorses Takaichi in Japan's upcoming vote
Former US President Donald Trump publicly threw his support behind Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, calling her a "strong, powerful, and wise leader" in a Truth Social post just days before Japan's snap election on Sunday.
Unusual move for a US leader
While US presidents rarely endorse foreign candidates, Trump has previously backed figures like Argentina's Javier Milei and Hungary's Viktor Orbán. His endorsement of Takaichi underscores her efforts to strengthen ties with Washington amid economic and security challenges.
Economic and diplomatic ties
Takaichi has actively courted Trump as Tokyo seeks stability in its relationship with the US, its closest ally. Trump initially threatened a 25% tariff on Japanese goods, but a July deal saw Japan pledge $550 billion in US investments in exchange for reduced import levies to 15%.
Military and personal rapport
Takaichi, 64, became prime minister in October after winning her party's leadership race. A week into her term, she hosted Trump with full military honors at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, including a visit to the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. The optics were deliberate: Takaichi positioned herself as a leader Trump could work with-and one he personally liked.
"In my visit to Japan, I and all of my representatives were extremely impressed with her,"
Donald Trump, Truth Social post
Shared security priorities
Both leaders align on defense: Trump wants Japan to increase military spending, and Takaichi has echoed the need for greater investment. During Trump's visit, they signed agreements on rare earth minerals and declared a "new golden age" in US-Japan relations. Takaichi praised Trump's Middle East diplomacy and called him a "partner in a new golden era."
Regional tensions and China
Trump's endorsement carries weight beyond Japan, signaling support for Takaichi amid rising tensions with China. Beijing and Tokyo are locked in a diplomatic standoff, worsened after Takaichi suggested Japan could deploy its self-defense forces if China attacked Taiwan. She has refused to retract the statement.
Trump's backing comes a day after he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling their relationship "extremely good." Xi, however, stressed Taiwan as the "most important issue" in US-China ties, urging Washington to limit arms sales to the island.
Election outlook and challenges
Polls predict a landslide for Takaichi, but her leadership will hinge on managing Japan's stagnant economy and balancing relations with the US and China-its top security ally and largest trading partner, respectively.
